Become a COACH

The C.O.A.C.H, Peer Program offers a select number of undergraduate students the opportunity to become a peer life coach and to provide peer to peer support services to the UC Irvine community.

Applications for the 2026-2027 year are being accepted starting April 1. Please submit C.O.A.C.H. application through the provided link. Applications due by Thursday, April 23, 2026, NO LATER than 5pm (PST).

Training

Coaches are trained in:

• Attentive Listening Skills
• Coaching Skills
• Leadership
• Multicultural Awareness and Cultural Humility
• Social Justice and Advocacy
• College Mental Health 
• Crisis Intervention
• Consultation and Referral Skills
• Personal Growth and Radical Self-Preservation/Healing

Program Expectations

• Students selected as peer life coaches must make program commitment for the FULL academic year (Fall, Winter and Spring quarters).
• Class is held EVERY Wednesday, 2-5pm EVERY QUARTER for the FULL academic year. PLEASE take note of this attendance requirement before applying as this is a MANDATORY CLASS.
• Time commitment increases across Winter and Spring Quarters when peer coaching sessions occur outside the class time.
• Engagement in 1:1 individual check-ins with supervisor which occurs outside the class time.
• Syllabus will be provided each quarter which provides more details on course curriculum and assignments.

Program Benefits

ACADEMIC CREDIT

Social Ecology majors can use the C.O.A.C.H. Peer Program as your 198 Field Study for either Winter OR Spring quarter—see your Social Ecology academic counselor for further information.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

While involved in this program, you will provide direct service to UCI students through one-to-one peer coaching and outreach opportunities to support visibility of the C.O.A.C.H. Peer Program. You will learn about your strengths, areas for growth, and ultimate potential as a future counselor or other helping profession role. You will be supervised by a licensed psychologist from the Counseling Center. The C.O.A.C.H. Peer Program training can be a helpful addition to your transcripts and resume, as graduate schools tend to value practical experience.

OPPORTUNITY TO HELP OTHERS

With your new and expanding skills, you will be able to engage students in establishing concrete goals (i.e., S.M.A.R.T. goals), helping them navigate steps toward achieving their goals, and overall motivate them in their quest for self-improvement.

TRAINING FROM PROFESSIONAL THERAPISTS

Coaches are trained by experienced and recognized professionals within their field of expertise.